Ross to enact impact fees on new development

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Ross commissioners took the first step Monday to enact impact fees on new development.

Commissioners approved a resolution announcing their intent to begin a study on transportation impact fees.

The next step is for commissioners to appoint a seven-member advisory committee to study the issue. Three of the seven members must represent real estate agencies or developers, and the committee cannot contain officials or employees of the township, said interim Manager Debby Grass.

"You have some things at are coming to you, to the planning commission, for permits and applications. And, in order to have these fees in place, you have to have this before they come in," she said.

Ms. Grass said the township can charge interim fees during the study, but the fees must be placed in escrow and returned to developers if they don't adopt an ordinance within 18 months.

Most municipalities with such fees charge $1,500 to $1,800 per "trip" that is anticipated from the development, she added.

Commissioner Lana Mazur said there are 24 acres of vacant land in her ward near Interstate 279. "I know they are all talking together about putting them together for a big development," she said.